FINAL preparations are under way to stage one of the UK's biggest live music and light extravaganzas.

A spectacular classical concert on the banks of the River Mersey will be held tomorrow featuring the world's first opera band - Amici Forever -and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Accompanying the music will be a laser show featuring 40ft flame throwers and fireworks.

Liverpool City Council's cultural events team will be using three projectors, powered by two generators with enough power to light up most of the city, and technology from the Buckingham Palace jubilee party to make the event an unforgettable night.

The audience at the event, which is supported by the Daily Post, will also be entertained by pyrotechnic explosions and fireworks blazing across the night sky.

Huge cranes have been building the stage at the Pier Head this week.

Almost every paid-for seat has now been taken but people can still turn up on the night and watch the concert from the grass free.

Sue Woodward, creative director of Liverpool 2008, said: "This concert looks set be a night to remember for a long time to come.

"The breathtaking setting on the waterfront means it will be a truly magical experience for all those who attend.''

An audience nearing 5,000 is expected to turn out to watch Amici Forever perform Puccini's Nessun Dorma and Handel's Prayer in the Night at the World Heritage Site nominated venue.

The orchestra will be accompanied by baritone Stephen Gadd and soprano Claire Rutter.

Michael Elliott, the orchestra's chief executive, said: "The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is delighted to be part of this spectacular event.

"We're confident that classical music fans and people discovering orchestral music for the first time will enjoy a fantastic night of music."

The event, sponsored by the North West Development Agency and supported by the Parkman Group, is being held to mark the start of a week of celebrations ahead of the homecoming of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race on September 27.

A limited number of #10 seats are available from the Philharmonic box office on 0151-709 3789.